confluence•creative•arts•center

GELATIN PRINT-MAKING CLASS

SATURDAY  DECEMBER 22

3 pm 

ALL AGES &  ABILITIES
Adults $30 / Kids $15 with adults

Just in time for the holiday season!  Print handmade cards or artistic gifts by learning how to make gelatin prints.  Eddie "Spaghetti" Maier will teach this class and provide all the materials and instruction needed to successfully create beautiful works of art.  No experience needed!   

Gelatin prints are created using a pan of Knox gelatin which is inked up with water-based ink. This spontaneous printing process creates unique prints using leaves and other elements of nature.

Sign up early to ensure your spot.  Space is limited.  

In order to ensure the health of all participants, vaccinations or masks required.

VARIETY ACTS  HOOTENANNY! NO-TALENT SHOW!

SATURDAY  JANUARY 15, 2022 

7 pm

ALL AGES & ABILITIES
(Kids and Adults!)

by donation

 Chuckle! giggle! guffaw! snort! Hee, hee, hee!

We're launching into the New Year with a variety show that guarantees to deliver belly laughs and knee-slapping fun.   Plan to be part of the show or part of the lively audience.  Expect to see short comedy skits of every stripe!  Family-friendly walk-on acts encouraged.  

Sunday, MAY 15 pm 

by donation

This year's exploration of literature will be based on books that have been made into movies. Our May reading selection will be The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. This Pulitzer Prize finalist and NYT Top-10 book chronicles the early days of the AIDS pandemic and the toll that this deadly virus had on families, friendships, lives, and communities.   The novel explores the interconnected stories of AIDS victims through the insights of a woman who lost her brother and her daughter in very different ways.

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Ben Phillian will moderate our discussion and lay the groundwork for additional book discussions.  Everyone is invited to read to book (or skim it), perhaps see the movie, and join a lively discussion.  Come share some literary good times!      

CRANKIE KIDS: ART & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP

Sunday,  February 27, March 6, 13, 20

(Maybe March 19, if needed)

Performance: March 26

Workshops: 2 to 4 pm 

$25 one-time workshop fee (covers all 4 sessions)

Kids and teens who live in or near the Confluence region are invited to participate in a collaborative crankie-making project.  Over three or four workshop sessions, participants will work together to design and create the artwork for a giant crankie!  Participants will also develop a performance that will include singing and shadow puppetry.  The sessions will culminate in presenting the crankie.  All participants will perform for a large audience at this year's Festival of Scrolling Panoramic Arts on March 26.

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Kids must attend at least three sessions and a rehearsal in order to be part of the final show.  Parents must attend a brief orientation meeting at the beginning of the first session.

FESTIVAL OF SCROLLING PANORAMIC ART

Saturday, MARCH 26

7 pm 

by donation

THE CRANKIE FEST IS BACK!!!

Save the date and watch for details!

Plan to be part of the magic!  Crankies are a traditional form of entertainment that combines traditional music, stories, or poetry with back-lit art which is scrolled through a viewing box.  We are pleased to host a gathering of some of the country's most acclaimed crankie performance artists for a show that will take you on a journey bright and magical.  

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CONSIDER SUPPORTING THIS EVENT by SPONSORING AN ARTIST.  Due to the pandemic, we are encouraging the support of our performing artists.  Your generous donation allows us to help artists travel to our community and be compensated for their performances.  Your donation allows the Arts Center to develop one the best crankie shows ever seen!    In the past, all shows have been "by donation" allowing access to all, regardless of ability to pay.  This is part of our mission, and your support allows us to continue to be a Trail Town Community with HeART! 💛. THANK YOU!

Second Tuesday of each month:

January 11

February 8

6 pm

by donation

Bring a stringed instrument for monthly old-time jam session.  First half hour is a slow jam geared for developing musicians.  The slow jam will segue into a lively tune session for experienced musiicans.   Everyone welcome to play or listen! No preregistration required.  

Fourth Tuesday of each Month

Noon or 6 pm

by donation

GONE...BYE-BYE!
Sorry we missed you at these awesome classes.  
Check out our PHOTO PAGE to enjoy highlights of these activities!

ECO-ART CAMP

June 28 - July 16

Eco-Art camps promise environmental fun and creative explorations for kids aged 7 - 14.  Kids can participate in three different weeklong camps each with a different focus:  CLAY, PUBLIC ART, ENVIRONMENTAL ART.  Led by environmental artist and educator Ashely Kyber, each camp will incorporate engaging hands-on activities with information about ecology and nature.  Kids will dig clay, paint, make forts, get muddy, and enjoy outdoor activities!  (Indoor programs are planned if the weather is inclement.)

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ART IN THE PARK

SATURDAY, JULY 3

Come on out and get creative at Confluence’s drop-by day-of-art-making!  Kids, teens, and old geezers are invited to stop by and paint, print, craft, and create at multiple craft stations suitable for all ages and abilities. Preregistration is not required. Guaranteed fun!

Want to be part of the action?   Volunteer to help with the art activities!  Email the arts center for details:  info@confluencecreativearts.org  

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HOMESCHOOLERS HAVE HeART

Second and Fourth Wednesdays September - May

1 - 2:30 / $6 per student

Young artists are invited to gather for hands-on fun at a socially-distanced art class geared for students who are online, remote, or homeschooling.  We'll meet twice a month on Wednesdays starting at 1 pm. Jody Best will instruct kids aged 5 to 14 in a variety of arts and craft projects.  We'll make a glorious mess and have lots of fun with creative explorations!  Kids should bring their own smocks or aprons.  Parents are encouraged to assist younger children, and we'll all clean up together!

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TINTYPE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO SESSION

July 18 - 19, 2020

Photos $65 - $115

The Arts Center is pleased to invite you to a unique opportunity initiated by our good friends at the RIVERSIDE ANTIQUE MALL in Confluence.  Schedule a PHOTO SESSION with acclaimed tintype photographer Joseph W. Brown or stop by to see the process and shop for vintage treasures.

What's tintype? Tintype photography originated in the  mid-1800's and allowed photographers to quickly process images onto thin sheets of metal. The images of the Civil War were captured by famous tintype photographer Matthew Brady. The shallow depth of field and distinctive tones characterize each photograph and are still appreciated today. 

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PICKIN' and PICNICING

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Break out the picnic basket and join us at the bandstand in Confluence for a family-friendly September afternoon of listening, picking, and picnicking.  The Sumac Pickers will have your toes tapping to country and bluegrass favorites.  Musicians Hannah Standiford and John Bagnato will keep the music sweet and spirted...just the thing for this season!  Don't miss the fun. Musicians are invited to bring along their instruments for an impromptu jam session after the show.  Socially-distanced good times!

BEGINNING KNITTING: 

SOCIALLY-DISTANCED INSTRUCTION

August 30, 2020

2-4 pm

$30

It's a great time to learn to knit, a relaxing hobby you can start during a pandemic and enjoy for a lifetime! Learn all the basics needed to complete a simple project.  Learn how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off.  Participants will be provided with a knit kit containing everything needed to complete a simple project such as a scarf or washcloth.  Avalon Folmsbee is a patient and enthusiastic teacher, and this class will be a fun way to end the summer getting ready for winter with a warm, hand-knit woolen that you can be proud to have made!

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BLUEGRASS JAM @ THE BANDSTAND
July 11, 2020

4 pm

Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and stake out your socially-distanced space around the bandstand in Confluence to listen to live bluegrass, country, and gospel music performed by Jerry Yeager, Radford Vance,  Michele Vance, and others.  Enjoy a picnic in the park and some toe-tappin' tunes! 

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CRANKIE FEST and POTLUCK

Saturday, February 9

Potluck at 6:30 followed by crankie show at about 7 pm

by donation

Crankies are a traditional form of entertainment that combines traditional music, stories, or poetry with back-lit art which is scrolled through a viewing box.  We are pleased to host a gathering of crankie performance artists from around the region for a show that will take you on a journey bright and magical.  We welcome crankie artists from around the region and encourage and welcome those who would like to try to make a crankie and share their efforts.  Check out www.thecrankiefactory.com for information about this art form. 

Also...bring an art trading card or two or three to swap and collect. (More information about artist trading cards can be found online at www.atcsforall.com/.  Check out Pinterest for ideas!)    

THE CRANKIE FEST WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SONG SESSION ON SUNDAY, FEB 10 from 1 to 3 pm!   EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO JOIN THE GROUP FOR SINGING AND SOCIALIZING.

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CONFLUENCE LITERARY SOCIETY

First Monday of the month

1 pm at the TURKEYFOOT LENDING LIBRARY

please call Joyce Tressler for book details: (814)395-3817

Extra, extra...read all about it!  Join Confluence’s book club for a variety of literary activities.  Each meeting will include a monthly book discussion.  Other activities may include discussion of universal themes in literature, trading of surprise books, writing and reading poetry, book critiques and more.

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UKELELE WORKSHOPS

Wed., September 6 (school workshop and evening jam session)

Wed., October 4 (school workshop and evening jam session)

Wed., November 8 (school workshop and evening jam session)

Sat., December 2 (All-day workshops and evening showcase and concert)

The Arts Center has teamed up with the masterful musicians of Simple Gifts and the students of Turkeyfoot Area School District to spread some ukelele love!  Linda Littleton and Karen Hirshon--will present a series of workshops for students (during the day) and for all ages and abilities (in the evening). Check ‘em out:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu_8YMWJZc0   Ukes are inexpensive, easy to play, and fun, fun, fun!  The workshop series will culminate with a potluck concert and performances on Saturday, December 2!  This program is made possible in part through the generous and fantastic  Earl and Jeanne Berkey Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the support of the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance/PA Council on the Arts.

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TODDLER TIME: COLORFUL CONNECTIONS!

Thursday, October 12

Thursday, October 26

Thursday, November 16

Thursday, November 30

10:30 – 11:30

$3 per child aged 2 – 4 (no charge for infants)

Join Ms. Jeanie Couchman for fun and games that will engage and amuse preschoolers. Kids love Ms. Jeanie, an experienced preschool teacher. Children aged two to four are invited to bring their Mommy, Daddy, or caregiver to Toddler Time for hands-on art projects, singing, stories and more.  Through creative projects and activities, little artists will develop fine motor skills, focus, and communication skills.  Adults will enjoy interacting with their children and other parents while kids explore all sorts of colorful connections!  Infant siblings are welcome at no charge.

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PRINTMAKING: LINO-CUT PRINTING

Friday, December 16

5 pm  - 9 pm

class fee $30 (includes materials)

Learn printmaking from one of the region’s finest teachers and artists.  Eddie “Spaghetti” Maier is back by popular demand to lead a workshop in linoleum printing. Plan on making your Christmas cards or other works of art to use as gifts or to proudly hang in your own home.  Student will learn how to create and print an image.  Limited class size...PREREGISTER TODAY to reserve your spot.

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CONCERT & POTLUCK FEATURING PEREGRINE ROAD

SUNDAY,  SEPTEMBER 10

SOUP, SALAD, AND SWEETS POTLUCK starts at 6 pm...SHOW starts at 7 pm
Suggested donation $10

The acclaimed Peregrine Road group consists of Karen Axelrod and Rachel Bell who perform energetic Celtic reels, heartbreakingly beautiful waltzes, mesmerizing French village dance tunes, lively originals, elegant English country dance tunes, tasty blues riffs, and more. Outrageous travel stories and interesting tidbits about multicultural traditions add both an educational and entertaining dimension to each concert.  The evening will begin with a soup, salad, and sweets potluck at 6 pm where the community is invited to socialize and visit with the performers prior to the 7 pm show.  There is also a free family magic show scheduled for 2 pm on Sunday, September 10, so spend the day and evening at the Arts Center for non-stop entertainment!

MAKE-A-SCENE PLAYERS (Kids Acting Up)

present....

CHARLOTTE’S WEB!

Rehearsals Monday evenings beginning SEPTEMBER 11

Bulldozer week (intense rehearsals/tech/set) NOV. 6 -10

PLAY PERFORMANCE: Sat., Nov. 11, Sun., Nov. 12, Mon., Nov.13

5:30  - 8:30 pm

$40 participation fee includes script cost

Salutations! The Make-A-Scene Players, our community’s youth theater group, is bringing one terrific pig to Confluence.  Students may attend the information session with their parents on September 11 to be cast for a role in this fall’s show.  Kids aged 5 to 18 are invited to participate.  Everyone gets an important part!   The Make-A-Scene Players is a supportive and welcoming organization which provides opportunities for kids to develop their acting skills, become more confident, learn cooperation, and be part of something big and fun!  Participants must be available for ALL rehearsals and performances.

YOUNG MASTERS ARTISTS SERIES

Third Thursday of the month

September 14, October 19, November 16, December 21

5:30 – 7:30 pm

$6 per student

preregistration required

Youthful artists will explore the world of master artists with activities, amazing historical information, and--best of all-- HANDS-ON ART INSTRUCTION.  The class is geared for students 5 to 15, and the individual art projects are suitable for a range of ages and abilities.  Everyone learns and everyone has a creative and engaging experience.

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PUMPKIN FEST!

THE FINE ART OF PUMPKIN CARVING & FREE MAGIC SHOW!

Saturday, October 7

11 am - 4 pm

light up at dark

The Arts Center is where you’ll find the largest patch of pumpkins during Confluence’s famous Pumpkin Fest.  For family fun or individual expression, stop by a pick out a free pumpkin to carve.  Scary or silly, happy or or hideous...come make a face with your friends.  It’s a great way to spend a little festival time.  Be sure to stop back at dark when we light up the night with the county’s greatest display of Jack o’ lanterns!  A special feature this year: a strolling magic show for all ages from 2 to 4 pm!

FREE MAGIC SHOW!

SUNDAY,  SEPTEMBER 10

2 pm
FREE, FREE, FREE!

Abracadabra!  Family fun for FREE!  The Laurel Highlands Magic Club will be doing a promotional video of their magician members.  They are opening up their show to the community and offering kids to be part of the amazing show.  The afternoon will be filled with comedy, magic, and mentalism.  Come with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of amazement!

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TRAIL TOWN QUILT SHOW & MOST AWESOME BAKE SALE

WITH FIBER ARTIST SHOWCASE

Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22

10 am  - 4 pm (Saturday hours) 

1 pm  - 4 pm (Sunday hours)

by donation

Fall colors means it’s time for colorful quilts!  Confluence has an active group of quilters and textile artists, and our Trail Town Quilt Show means everything good will be found at the Arts Center on Saturday, October 10:  chocolate, colors, cookies, quilts, music and you!   Our big fundraising bake sale will feature a room full of treats from the area’s best cooks.  Stock up on pies, breads, cakes, and your favorite goodies, then feast your eyes on a display of quilts made by area textile artists.  Vote for your favorite quilt, enjoy some quiet background music, and appreciate the good things in life.  Quilts must be entered by October 1.  For information about entering a quilt in any category, please contact Amy Childers at achilders54@gmail.com

STAINED GLASS

Friday, November 3

6 pm  - 9 (or so) pm

class fee

Just in time for the holiday season, Diane Bauerle will teach the fundamentals of working  with stained class.  Beginning students will learn how to cut and solder glass and have an opportunity to make an ornament or sun-catcher—a perfect gift.  More experienced students can use the materials and tools to create a small project of their choice.  Class size is limited.  Please preregister early.

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NEEDLE TATTING

Tuesday, August 22

6:30 - 8 pm

fee TBD (less than $10)

Learn a craft from the past!  Nancy Enscoe works in a variety of mediums and has offered to teach students how to do needle tatting.  Needle tatting is done by using thread to make rings and chains which form lovely ornaments and decorations.    Tatting was once used for lace-making, and there are lots of ideas (see Pinterest!) for using tatting today!  Please contact the arts center to preregister.  confluencecreativeartscenter@verizon.net

STORY TIME!

Fridays

11 -12 noon

donations accepted

The Turkeyfoot Lending Library will coordinate Friday morning Story Time for preschool and elementary school students at the Arts Center.  Come listen to some really good tales of adventure and excitement.  Make an art project.  Play a game.  Have fun with books and friends.  Don’t miss these unplugged Friday mornings.  You’ll live happily ever after!  (Be sure to check out the pictures on our photo page!)

THEMES:
June 23 - Fun with Rhymes

June 30 - Water Safety with Bob the Water Dog

July 7 - Fun with Balloons

July 14 - Guest storyteller

July 21 - Summer Fun

July 28 - Visit the Confluence Fire House

August 4 - Scavenger Hunt

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